Cosmetic and dermatological preparations containing carnitine for treating and actively preventing dry skin and other negative alterations in the physiological homeostasis of healthy skin

ABSTRACT

Use of preparations to be applied topically having a content of  
     a) one or more compounds from the group formed by carnitine and precursors, derivatives and metabolic metabolites thereof,  
     b) optionally one or more compounds from the group of electrolytes,  
     c) optionally one or more compounds from the group of polyols and urea, and optionally  
     d) one or more compounds from the group of osmolytes,  
     for the treatment and active prevention of dry skin and for strengthening the barrier function of the skin, and for the treatment, care and prophylaxis of sensitive skin and/or for the treatment and prophylaxis of the symptoms of a negative change in the physiological homeostasis of healthy skin, in particular deficient, sensitive or hypoactive skin conditions or deficient, sensitive or hypoactive conditions of skin appendages,  
     inflamed skin conditions, and of atopic eczema, polymorphous photodermatosis, psoriasis, vitiligo,  
     sensitive, itching or irritated skin,  
     changes in normal lipid peroxidation,  
     a change in the ceramide, lipid and energy metabolism of healthy skin,  
     a change in the physiological transepidermal water loss,  
     a reduction in skin hydration and decrease in the moisture content of the skin,  
     change in the natural moisturizing factor content,  
     reduction in cell-cell communication,  
     deficiency symptoms of intracellular DNA synthesis,  
     DNA damage and reduction in endogenous DNA repair mechanisms,  
     activation of metalloproteinases and/or other proteases or inhibition of the corresponding endogenous DNA repair mechanisms, deviations from the normal post-translational modifications of connective tissue constituents,  
     changes in the normal hyaluronic acid and glucosaminoglycan content of healthy skin, dandruff formation by the hair, flaking of the scalp and skin ageing.

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to the use ofcarnitine and/or derivatives and precursors thereof and activeingredient combinations with one or more electrolytes and with glyceroland/or urea alone or in combination for the treatment and activeprevention of dry skin and for strengthening the barrier function of theskin, and other negative changes in the physiological homeostasis ofhealthy skin.

[0002] The skin is the largest human organ. Amongst its many functions(for example for temperature regulation and as a sensory organ), thebarrier function, the one which prevents the skin (and thus ultimatelythe entire organism) from drying out, is probably the most important. Atthe same time, the skin acts as a protective device against thepenetration and absorption of external substances. This barrier functionis effected by the epidermis which, as the outermost layer, forms theactual protective sheath against the environment. Being about one tenthof the total thickness, it is also the thinnest layer of the skin.

[0003] The epidermis is a stratified tissue in which the outer layer,the horny layer (Stratum corneum), is the part which is of significancefor the barrier function. Being in contact with the environment, it isworn away and therefore finds itself in a continuous process of renewal,where, on the outside, fine flakes are continuously shed and, on theinside, keratinized cell and lipid material is subsequently produced.

[0004] The Elias skin model, which is currently recognized in thespecialist field (P. M. Elias, Structure and Function of the StratumCorneum Permeability Barrier, Drug Dev. Res. 13, 1988, 97-105),describes the horny layer as a two-component system, similar to a brickwall (bricks and mortar model). In this model, the horny cells(corneocytes) correspond to the bricks, and the lipid membrane, which isof complex composition, in the intercellular spaces corresponds to themortar. This system essentially represents a physical barrier tohydrophilic substances, but, because of its narrow and multilayeredstructure, can equally, however, also be passed by lipophilic substancesonly with difficulty. The particular structure of the horny layer on theone hand protects the skin and on the other hand stabilizes its ownflexibility by binding a defined amount of water.

[0005] Mechanical stresses, such as, for example, compressive forces,impact or shear forces, can also be intercepted to a surprising degreeby the horny layer alone or in conjunction with the deeper layers of theskin. Relatively large compressive forces, torsional forces or shearforces are transmitted to deeper layers of the skin via the meshing ofthe epidermis with the corium.

[0006] The regulation of the water and moisture content is one of themost important functions of the epidermal lipid membrane. However, itnot only has a barrier effect against external chemical and physicalinfluences, but also contributes to the cohesion of the horny layer.

[0007] The lipids of the horny layer essentially consist of ceramides,free fatty acids, cholesterol and cholesterol sulphate and aredistributed over the entire horny layer. The composition of these lipidsis of decisive importance for the intact function of the epidermalbarrier and thus for the water impermeability of the skin.

[0008] Even cleansing the skin using a simple waterbath—without theaddition of surfactants—initially causes the horny layer of the skin toswell. The degree of this swelling depends, inter alia, on the bathingtime and temperature. At the same time, water-soluble substances arewashed off or out, such as e.g. water-soluble constituents of dirt, butalso substances endogenous to the skin which are responsible for thewater-binding capacity of the horny layer. In addition, as a result ofsurface-active substances which are endogenous to the skin, fats in theskin are also dissolved and washed out to a certain degree. Afterinitial swelling, this causes a subsequent drying-out of the skin, whichmay be further considerably intensified by washing-active additives.

[0009] In healthy skin, these processes are generally of no consequencesince the protective mechanisms of the skin are able to readilycompensate for such slight disturbances to the upper layers of the skin.However, even in the case of nonpathological deviations from the norm,e.g. as a result of wear damage or irritations caused by theenvironment, photodamage, ageing skin etc., the protective mechanism onthe surface of the skin is impaired.

[0010] In aged skin, for example, regenerative renewal takes place at aslower rate, where, in particular, the water-binding capacity of thehorny layer decreases. The skin thus becomes inflexible, dry and chapped(“physiologically” dry skin). Barrier damage is the result. The skinbecomes susceptible to negative environmental effects, such as theinvasion of microorganisms, toxins and allergens. As a consequence,toxic or allergic skin reactions may even result.

[0011] In the case of pathologically dry and sensitive skin, barrierdamage is present a priori. Epidermal intercellular lipids becomedefective or are formed in an inadequate amount or composition. Theconsequence is increased permeability of the horny layer and inadequateprotection of the skin against loss of hygroscopic substances and water.

[0012] The barrier effect of the skin can be quantified via thedetermination of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is theevaporation of water from inside the body without taking into accountthe loss of water during perspiration. Determination of the TEWL valuehas proven to be extraordinarily informative and can be used to diagnosechapped or cracked skin, for determining the compatibility ofsurfactants which have very different chemical structures, and morebesides.

[0013] For the beauty and well-cared-for appearance of the skin, theproportion of water in the uppermost layer of the skin is of greatestsignificance. It can be favourably influenced within a limited scope byintroducing moisture regulators.

[0014] Anionic surfactants, which are generally constituents ofcleansing preparations, can lastingly increase the pH in the hornylayer, which severely hinders regenerative processes which serve torestore and renew the barrier function of the skin. In this case, a new,frequently very unfavourable state of equilibrium is established in thehorny layer between regeneration and the loss of essential substances asa result of regular extraction; this state has a decisive adverse effecton the outer appearance of the skin and the physiological mode offunction of the horny layer.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, skin care isunderstood primarily as meaning that the natural function of the skin asa barrier against environmental influences (e.g. dirt, chemicals,microorganisms) and against the loss of substances endogenous to thebody (e.g. water, lipids, electrolytes) is strengthened or restored.

[0016] Products for the care, treatment and cleansing of dry andstressed skin are known per se. However, their contribution to theregeneration of a physiologically intact, hydrated and smooth hornylayer is limited with regard to extent and time.

[0017] The effect of ointments and creams on the barrier function andthe hydration of the horny layer is based essentially on the coverage(occlusion) of the areas of skin treated. The ointment or creamrepresents, as it were, a (second) artificial barrier which is iritendedto prevent loss of water by the skin. It is equally easy to remove thisphysical barrier, for example using cleansers, again, as a result ofwhich the original, impaired state is again achieved. Moreover, the skincare effect can decrease upon regular treatment. After use of theproduct is stopped, the skin reverts very quickly to the state prior tothe start of treatment. In the case of certain products, the conditionof the skin is even temporarily worsened in some circumstances. Apermanent product effect is therefore generally not achieved or isachieved only to a limited extent.

[0018] The effect of some pharmaceutical preparations on the barrierfunction of the skin consists even in selective damage to the barrier,which is intended to make it possible for active ingredients to be ableto penetrate into or through the skin into the body. Here, a disturbedappearance of the skin as a side effect is accepted to some extent as asmall price to pay.

[0019] The effect of caring cleansing products consists essentially inan efficient refatting with sebum lipid-like substances. Thesimultaneous reduction in the surfactant content of such preparationspermits a further limitation of the damage to the horny layer barrier.

[0020] However, the prior art lacks preparations which have a positiveeffect on the barrier function and hydration of the horny layer andenhance or even restore the physicochemical properties of the hornylayer and, in particular, of the lamellae comprising intercellularlipids.

[0021] In order to aid the skin in its natural regeneration and tostrengthen its physiological function, intercellular lipid mixtures,such as ceramides or ceramide analogues, have recently increasingly beenadded to topical preparations which are to be used by the skin torebuild the natural barrier. However, these lipids are mostly veryexpensive raw materials. In addition, their effect is in most cases verymuch lower than that hoped for.

[0022] The object of the present invention was therefore to overcome thedisadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the aim was to provideskincare compositions which retain or restore the barrier properties ofthe skin, especially when the natural regeneration of the skin isinadequate. They should also be suitable for the treatment andprophylaxis of subsequent damage of the skin drying out, for examplecracks or inflammatory or allergic processes, or also ofneurodermatitis. The object of the present invention was also to providestable skincare cosmetic and/or dermatological compositions whichprotect the skin against environmental influences such as sun and wind.In particular, the effect of the preparations should be physiological,rapid and long-lasting.

[0023] In addition, disturbances of the homeostasis of the skin, inparticular healthy skin, should be treated and overcome or beprophylactically treated.

[0024] The objects posed are achieved according to the invention.

[0025] These objects are achieved, in a manner which is surprising andcould not have been foreseen by the person skilled in the art, throughthe use of preparations to be applied topically having a content of

[0026] a) one or more compounds from the group formed by carnitine andprecursors and derivatives and metabolic metabolites thereof,

[0027] b) optionally one or more compounds from the group ofelectrolytes,

[0028] c) optionally one or more compounds from the group formed bypolyols and urea, and optionally

[0029] d) one or more compounds from the group of osmolytes,

[0030] for the treatment and active prevention of dry skin and forstrengthening the barrier function of the skin, and for the treatment,care and prophylaxis of sensitive skin and/or for the treatment andprophylaxis of the symptoms of a negative change in the physiologicalhomeostasis of healthy skin, in particular of deficient, sensitive orhypoactive skin conditions or deficient, sensitive or hypoactiveconditions of skin appendages,

[0031] inflamed skin conditions, and of atopic eczema, polymorphousphotodermatosis, psoriasis, vitiligo,

[0032] sensitive, itching or irritated skin,

[0033] changes in normal lipid peroxidation,

[0034] a change in the ceramide, lipid and energy metabolism of healthyskin,

[0035] a change in the physiological transepidermal water loss,

[0036] a reduction in skin hydration and decrease in the moisturecontent of the skin,

[0037] change in the natural moisturizing factor content,

[0038] reduction in cell-cell communication,

[0039] deficiency symptoms of intracellular DNA synthesis,

[0040] DNA damage and reduction in endogenous DNA repair mechanisms,

[0041] activation of metalloproteinases and/or other proteases orinhibition of the corresponding endogenous DNA repair mechanisms,

[0042] deviations from the normal post-translational modifications ofconnective tissue constituents,

[0043] changes in the normal hyaluronic acid and glucosaminoglycancontent of healthy skin and dandruff formation by the hair.

[0044] Preference is given to cosmetic and dermatological topicalpreparations, in particular cosmetic topical preparations.

[0045] The structure of human hair is essentially the same as that ofthe horny layer of human skin. Between the dead corneocytes there arelipids, such as, for example, ceramides, which counteract the drying outand structural weakening of the hair. Thus, the active ingredientsaccording to the invention and combinations thereof can also improve thestructure of the hair. Moreover, the active ingredients according to theinvention and combinations thereof are also suitable for the treatmentof a flaky scalp.

[0046] Skin ageing, particularly if promoted by chronic solarirradiation, represents, for example, a particularly dramatic form ofthe disturbance of skin homeostasis. Surprisingly, the activeingredients according to the invention and combinations thereof improvevery particularly homeostatic deviations of ageing skin. They aretherefore, like the preparations which comprise them, very readilysuitable for the treatment and prophylactic treatment of skin ageing.

[0047] The invention also provides for the use of the active ingredientsaccording to the invention.

[0048] Preferably, the preparations according to the invention compriseone or more of the compounds of group a) and one or more compounds ofthe group b) or of group c).

[0049] Particular preference is given to preparations with a content ofin each case one or more compounds of groups a) and b) and c).

[0050] Osmolytes are understood here as meaning osmotically active,uncharged molecules which can be taken up, actively or else passively,by epidermal keratinocytes.

[0051] The compounds according to the invention can optionally be usedas acids or in the form of their salts, e.g. water-soluble salts, e.g.sodium or potassium salts.

[0052] Precursors are, for example, compounds which are converted intothe active ingredients by metabolic steps.

[0053] Preference is given to L-carnitine and derivatives, precursorsand metabolites thereof.

[0054] Preferred derivatives are acylcarnitine (O-acyl) and carnitineesters, e.g. with carboxylic acids.

[0055] Suitable acyl groups are e.g. alkylcarbonyl groups with 2-12, inparticular 2-6, carbon atoms. Particular preference is given toacetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine.

[0056] Suitable carboxylic acids are e.g. fumaric acid or galactaricacid. Particular preference is given to L-carnitine fumarate andL-carnitine galactarate.

[0057] The carbonyl group of the carnitines can also be esterified withalkanols having e.g. 1-10, preferably 1-5, in particular 1-3, carbonatoms.

[0058] The active ingredients of group a) are advantageously present incosmetic or dermatological preparations, for example, in amounts of from0.001% by weight to 30% by weight, preferably in amounts of from 0.05%by weight to 10% by weight, particularly preferably in amounts of0.1-5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparations.

[0059] Suitable electrolytes are compounds which are capable ofdissociating into ions, in particular upon dissolution in water. Theymay, for example, be in the form of inorganic or organic salts.

[0060] Preference is given to the use of inorganic salts (in particularNaCl, NaBr, NaI, Na₂B₄O₇, Na₂SiO₃, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, Na₃PO₄, Na₂HPO₄,NaH₂PO₄, KCl, KI, LiCl, NH₄Cl, ZnCl₂, Al₂SO₄ and MgSO₄), and of salts oforganic acids, in particular of acids which occur naturally in the skin,e.g. of energy metabolism, such as sodium lipoate, sodium citrate,ammonium lactate, sodium lactate, sodium bicarbonate or weak carboxylicacids, e.g. sodium propionate. Surprisingly, the activity systemmentioned stimulates the skin's own metabolism of lipids and proteinswhich have to be constantly regenerated to maintain the epidermalbarrier to water. According to the invention, dry skin in particular istreated and/or cared for by the barrier-strengthening effect of thesepreparations, while normal skin is actively prevented from drying out.

[0061] Cosmetic or dermatological preparations according to theinvention preferably comprise 0.05-30% by weight, particularlypreferably 1-5% by weight, of one or more electrolytes, preferablysodium chloride, based on the total composition of the preparations.

[0062] Suitable osmolytes are, for example, the polyols, methylaminecompounds and amino acids, and in each case precursors thereof.

[0063] The osmolytes used are, according to the invention, in particularsubstances from the group of sugar alcohols (myoinositol, mannitol,sand/or one or more of the osmolytically active substances specifiedbelowcholine, betaine, phosphorylcholine, glycerophosphorylcholines,glutamine, glycineaegeaepe and taurine. Precursors of these substancesare, for example, glglucose polymers, phosphatidylcholine,phosphatidylinositol, inorganic phosphates, proteins, peptides andpolyamine acids. Precursors are, for example, compounds which areconverted into osmolytes by metabolic steps.β-Alanin

[0064] L-Carnitin

[0065] Said osmolytes and/or precursors thereof are, according to theinvention, advantageously present in cosmetic or dermatologicalpreparations preferably in amounts of from 0.001% by weight to 30% byweight, preferably 0.05% by weight to 10% by weight, particularlypreferably 0.1-5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of thepreparations.

[0066] Preference is given to preparations which comprise polyol, inparticular glycerol, and urea at the same time.

[0067] Suitable polyols are, for example, straight-chain, branched orcyclic alkanols having, for example, 2-6 OH groups, preferably 2 or 3 OHgroups and e.g. 2-12 or 2-6, in particular 2 or 3 or 4, carbon atoms.

[0068] Of high suitability are, for example, glycols, including thosewith non-vicinal OH groups and also polyalkylene glycols, e.g. with 2-6,in particular 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms per glycol unit, which may beetherified in the same way or in a mixed fashion. The number ofalkylglycol units in the polyalkylene glycol may, for example, be up to20, preferably up to 10, but in particular 2, 3, 4 or 5.

[0069] Glycerol, butylene glycols, propylene glycols, ethylene glycol,pentanediols, hexanediols, in particular in each case the vicinalhydroxy compounds, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropyleneglycol, tripropylene glycol, dibutylene glycol and tributylene glycolare particularly suitable.

[0070] According to the invention, polyols are advantageously present incosmetic or dermatological preparations e.g. in amounts of from 0.05% byweight to 30% by weight, preferably 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight,particularly preferably 1-15% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe preparations.

[0071] According to the invention, urea is advantageously present incosmetic or dermatological preparations e.g. in amounts of from 0.05% byweight to 30% by weight, preferably 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight,particularly preferably 1-15% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe preparations.

[0072] For the combination of polyol and urea, according to theinvention these substances are advantageously present in cosmetic ordermatological preparations e.g. in amounts of from 0.05% by weight to30% by weight, preferably 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight, particularlypreferably 1-15% by weight, based on the total weight of thepreparations.

[0073] The ratio of the weight of the active ingredients of group b)(electrolytes) to the weight of the active ingredients of group c) canvary. For example, the b)/c) weight ratio can be from 10:1 to 1:10,preferably 2:1 to 1:2, but in particular 1:1.

[0074] For the combination of polyol and urea, the ratio of the weightof the polyol to the weight of the urea can vary. For example, thepolyol/urea weight ratio may be from 1:10 to 10:1, preferably 2:1 to1:2, but in particular 1:1.

[0075] Surprisingly, the activity system mentioned stimulates the skin'sown metabolism of lipids and proteins which have to be constantlyregenerated to maintain the epidermal barrier to water. According to theinvention, the dry skin is treated and/or cared for by thebarrier-strengthening effect of these preparations, while normal skin isactively prevented from drying out.

[0076] In every respect the preparations according to the invention areextremely satifactory preparations. It had been unforeseen for theperson skilled in the art that the preparations according to theinvention

[0077] better retain or restore the barrier properties of the skin,

[0078] strengthen the ceramide biosynthesis of the skin,

[0079] better counteract drying-out of the skin,

[0080] better counteract skin ageing and

[0081] better protect the skin against environmental influences than thepreparations of the prior art.

[0082] The cosmetic or dermatological preparations according to theinvention can have the customary composition and be used for thetreatment, care and cleansing of the skin and/or hair and as a make-upproduct in decorative cosmetics. Accordingly, depending on theirformulation, they may be used, for example, as skin protection cream,cleansing milk, sunscreen lotion, nutrient cream, day or night creametc. It is optionally possible and advantageous to use the preparationsaccording to the invention as a basis for pharmaceutical formulations.The preparations according to the invention comprise, for example, from0.001 to 30% by weight, preferably 0.01% by weight to 10% by weight, butin particular 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight, in each case based on thetotal weight of the preparations, of the active ingredients according tothe invention.

[0083] The active ingredient combinations used according to theinvention are particularly preferably used in pH-buffered preparations,where a pH of 5-7, in particular about 5-6, is very particularlypreferred.

[0084] Also favourable are those cosmetic and dermatologicalpreparations which are in the form of a sunscreen. In addition to one ormore active ingredients according to the invention, these preferablycomprise at least one UV-A filter substance and/or at least one UV-Bfilter substance and/or at least one inorganic pigment.

[0085] It is, however, also advantageous for the purposes of the presentinvention to provide cosmetic and dermatological preparations whose mainpurpose is not protection against sunlight, but which neverthelesscomprise a content of UV protection substances. Thus, UV-A and UV-Bfilter substances are commonly incorporated into day creams, forexample.

[0086] The cosmetic and dermatological preparations according to theinvention may comprise cosmetic auxiliaries as are customarily used insuch preparations, e.g. preservatives, bactericides, perfumes,antifoams, dyes, pigments which have a colouring action, thickeners,surface-active substances, emulsifiers, emollients, moisturizers and/orhumectants, fats, oils, waxes and other customary constituents of acosmetic or dermatological formulation, such as alcohols, polyols,polymers, foam stabilizers, organic solvents or silicone derivatives.

[0087] Depending on the type of product in each case, the amounts ofcosmetic, dermatological or medicinal carrier substances and perfume tobe used in each case can be readily determined by the person skilled inthe art by simple exploratory experiments.

[0088] Preparations for the treatment and care of the skin areparticularly preferred.

[0089] For use, the cosmetic and dermatological preparations accordingto the invention are applied to the skin and/or the hair in a sufficientamount in the manner customary for cosmetics.

[0090] Cosmetic and dermatological preparations according to theinvention may exist in a variety of forms. Thus, for example, they maybe a solution, an anhydrous preparation, an emulsion or microemulsion ofthe water-in-oil (W/O) type or of the oil-in-water (O/W) type, amultiple emulsion, for example of the water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W)type, a gel, a solid stick, an ointment or also an aerosol. It is alsoadvantageous to administer the active ingredients according to theinvention in encapsulated form, e.g. in collagen matrices and othercustomary encapsulation materials, e.g. as cellulose encapsulations, ingelatin, wax matrices or liposomally encapsulated.

[0091] It is also possible and advantageous for the purposes of thepresent invention to incorporate the active ingredients according to theinvention into aqueous systems or surfactant preparations for cleansingthe skin and the hair.

[0092] In particular, the cosmetic and dermatological preparationsaccording to the invention may also comprise antioxidants. According tothe invention, favourable antioxidants which may be used are all theantioxidants which are suitable or customary for cosmetic and/ordermatological uses.

[0093] The antioxidants are advantageously chosen from the groupconsisting of amino acids (for example glycine, histidine, tyrosine,tryptophan) and derivatives thereof, imidazoles (for example urocanicacid) and derivatives thereof, peptides such as D,L-carnosine,D-carnosine, L-carnosine and derivatives thereof (for example anserine),carotenoids, carotenes (for example α-carotene, β-carotene, ψ-lycopene)and derivatives thereof, chlorogenic acid and derivatives thereof,lipoic acid and derivatives thereof (for example dihydrolipoic acid),aurothioglucose, propylthiouracil and other thiols (for examplethioredoxin, glutathione, cysteine, cystine, cystamine and the glycosyl,N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, amyl, butyl and lauryl, palmitoyl,oleyl, γ-linoleyl, cholesteryl and glyceryl esters thereof) and saltsthereof, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearyl thiodipropionate,thiodipropionic acid and derivatives thereof (esters, ethers, peptides,lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and salts) and sulphoximine compounds(for example buthionine sulphoximines, homocysteine sulphoximine,buthionine sulphones, penta-, hexa- and hepta-thionine sulphoximine) invery low tolerated doses (for example pmol to μmol/kg), and furthermore(metal) chelating agents (for example α-hydroxy-fatty acids, palmiticacid, phytic acid, lactoferrin), α-hydroxy acids (for example citricacid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acid, bile acid, bile extracts,bilirubin, biliverdin, EDTA, EGTA and derivatives thereof, unsaturatedfatty acids and derivatives thereof (for example γ-linolenic acid,linoleic acid, oleic acid), folic acid and derivatives thereof,ubiquinone and ubiquinol and derivatives thereof, vitamin C andderivatives (for example ascorbyl palmitate, Mg ascorbyl phosphate,ascorbyl acetate), tocopherols and derivatives (for example vitamin Eacetate), vitamin A and derivatives (vitamin A palmitate) and coniferylbenzoate of benzoin resin, rutic acid and derivatives thereof,α-glycosylrutin, ferulic acid, furfurylideneglucitol, carnosine,butylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, nordihydroguaiacic acid,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, trihydroxybutyrophenone, uric acid andderivatives thereof, mannose and derivatives thereof, zinc andderivatives thereof (for example ZnO, ZnSO₄), selenium and derivativesthereof (for example selenomethionine), stilbenes and derivativesthereof (for example stilbene oxide, trans-stilbene oxide) and thederivatives of these active ingredients mentioned which are suitableaccording to the invention (salts, esters, ethers, sugars, nucleotides,nucleosides, peptides and lipids).

[0094] The amount of the abovementioned antioxidants (one or morecompounds) in the preparations according to the invention is preferablyfrom 0.001 to 30% by weight, particularly preferably 0.05-20% by weight,in particular 1-10% by weight, based on the total weight of thepreparation.

[0095] If vitamin E and/or derivatives thereof is or are the antioxidantor antioxidants, it is advantageous to choose the respectiveconcentrations thereof from the range 0.001-10% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the formulation.

[0096] If vitamin A or vitamin A derivatives or carotenes or derivativesthereof is or are the antioxidant or antioxidants, it is advantageous tochoose the respective concentrations thereof from the range 0.001-10% byweight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0097] Emulsions according to the invention are advantageous andcomprise, for example, said fats, oils, waxes and other fattysubstances, and also water and an emulsifier, as is customarily used forthis type of formulation.

[0098] The lipid phase can advantageously be chosen from the followinggroup of substances:

[0099] mineral oils, mineral waxes;

[0100] oils, such as triglycerides of capric or of caprylic acid, alsonatural oils such as, for example, castor oil;

[0101] fats, waxes and other natural and synthetic fatty substances,preferably esters of fatty acids with alcohols of low carbon number, forexample with isopropanol, propylene glycol or glycerol, or esters offatty alcohols with alkanoic acids of low carbon number or with fattyacids;

[0102] alkyl benzoates;

[0103] silicone oils, such as dimethylpolysiloxanes,diethylpolysiloxanes, diphenylpolysiloxanes and mixed forms thereof.

[0104] For the purposes of the present invention, the oil phase of theemulsions, oleogels and hydrodispersions or lipodispersions isadvantageously chosen from the group of esters of saturated and/orunsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alkanecarboxylic acids having achain length of from 3 to 30 carbon atoms and saturated and/orunsaturated, branched and/or unbranched alcohols having a chain lengthof from 3 to 30 carbon atoms, from the group of esters of aromaticcarboxylic acids and saturated and/or unsaturated, branched and/orunbranched alcohols having a chain length of from 3 to 30 carbon atoms.Such ester oils can then be advantageously chosen from the groupconsisting of isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropylstearate, isopropyl oleate, n-butyl stearate, n-hexyl laurate, n-decyloleate, isooctyl stearate, isononyl stearate, isononyl isononanoate,2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl laurate, 2-hexyldecyl stearate,2-octyldodecyl palmitate, oleyl oleate, oleyl erucate, erucyl oleate,erucyl erucate and synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural mixtures ofsuch esters, e.g. jojoba oil.

[0105] The oil phase can also advantageously be chosen from the group ofbranched and unbranched hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon waxes, siliconeoils, dialkyl ethers, from the group of saturated or unsaturated,branched or unbranched alcohols, and also fatty acid triglycerides,namely the triglycerol esters of saturated and/or unsaturated, branchedand/or unbranched alkanecarboxylic acids having a chain length of from 8to 24, in particular 12-18, carbon atoms. The fatty acid triglyceridescan advantageously be chosen, for example, from the group of synthetic,semi-synthetic and natural oils, e.g. olive oil, sunflower oil, soybeanoil, groundnut oil, rapeseed oil, almond oil, palm oil, coconut oil,palm kernel oil and the like.

[0106] For the purposes of the present invention, any mixtures of suchoil and wax components can also advantageously be used. When required,it may also be advantageous to use waxes, for example cetyl palmitate,as the sole lipid component of the oil phase.

[0107] The oil phase is advantageously chosen from the group consistingof 2-ethylhexyl isostearate, octyldodecanol, isotridecyl isononanoate,isoeicosane, 2-ethylhexyl cocoate, C₁₂₋₁₅-alkyl benzoate,caprylic/capric triglyceride and dicaprylyl ether.

[0108] Mixtures of C₁₂₋₁₅-alkyl benzoate and 2-ethylhexyl isostearate,mixtures of C₁₂₋₁₅-alkyl benzoate and isotridecyl isononanoate andmixtures of C₁₂₋₁₅-alkyl benzoate, 2-ethylhexyl isostearate andisotridecyl isononanoate are particularly advantageous.

[0109] For the purposes of the present invention, of the hydrocarbons,paraffin oil, squalane and squalene can advantageously be used.

[0110] The oil phase can advantageously also contain cyclic or linearsilicone oils or can consist entirely of such oils, although it ispreferable to use an additional content of other oil phase components inaddition to the silicone oil or silicone oils.

[0111] Cyclomethicone (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane) is advantageouslyused as the silicone oil to be used according to the invention. However,other silicone oils can also be advantageously used for the purposes ofthe present invention, for example hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane,polydimethylsiloxane, poly(methylphenylsiloxane).

[0112] Mixtures of cyclomethicone and isotridecyl isononanoate andmixtures of cyclomethicone and 2-ethylhexyl isostearate are particularlyadvantageous.

[0113] Advantageous emulsifiers are, for example, glyceryl stearate in amixture with ceteareth-20; sorbitan stearate; sorbitan oleate;ceteareth-25; ceteareth-6 in a mixture with stearyl alcohol;cetylstearyl alcohol in a mixture with PEG-40 castor oil and sodiumcetylstearyl sulphate; triceteareth-4 phosphate; glyceryl stearate;sodium cetylstearyl sulphate; lecithin; trilaureth-4 phosphate;laureth-4 phosphate; stearic acid; propylene glycol stearate SE; PEG-25hydrogenated castor oil; PEG-54 hydrogenated castor oil; PEG-6caprylic/capric glycerides; glyceryl oleate in a mixture with propyleneglycol; PEG-9 stearate; glyceryl lanolate; ceteth-2; ceteth-20;polysorbate 60; lanolin; glyceryl stearate in a mixture with PEG-100stearate; glyceryl myristate; microcrystalline wax (Ceramicrocristallina) in a mixture with paraffin oil (Paraffinum liquidum),ozokerite, hydrogenated castor oil, glyceryl isostearate andpolyglyceryl-3 oleate; glyceryl laurate, PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate;laureth-4; ceteareth-3; wool wax acid mixtures; isostearyl glycerylether; cetylstearyl alcohol in a mixture with sodium cetylstearylsulphate; wool wax alcohol mixtures; laureth-23; steareth-2; glycerylstearate in a mixture with PEG-30 stearate; PEG-40 stearate; glycoldistearate; PEG-22 dodecyl glycol copolymer; polyglyceryl-2 PEG-4stearate; pentaerythrithyl isostearate; polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate;ceteareth-20; sorbitan oleate in a mixture with hydrogenated castor oil,beeswax (Cera alba) and stearic acid; sodium dihydroxycetylphosphate ina mixture with isopropyl hydroxycetyl ether; methylglucosesesquistearate; steareth-10; PEG-20 stearate; steareth-2 in a mixturewith PEG-8 distearate; steareth-21; steareth-20; isosteareth-20;methylglucose dioleate; PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil; sorbitan oleatein a mixture with PEG-2 hydrogenated castor oil, ozokerite andhydrogenated castor oil; sorbitan isostearate in a mixture with PEG-2hydrogenated castor oil, ozokerite and hydrogenated castor oil;PEG-45/dodecyl glycol copolymer; methoxy-PEG-22/dodecyl glycolcopolymer; hydrogenated coconut fatty acid glycerides; polyglyceryl-4isostearate; PEG-40 sorbitan peroleate; PEG-40 sorbitan perisostearate;PEG-20 glyceryl stearate; PEG-20-glyceryl stearate; PEG-8 beeswax;laurylmethicone copolyol; cetyldimethicone copolyol; polyglyceryl-2laurate; isostearyl diglyceryl succinate; stearamidopropyl PG dimoniumchloride phosphate; PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil; glyceryl stearate,ceteth-20; triethyl citrate; PEG-20 methylglucose sesquistearate;ceteareth-12; paraffin oil (Paraffinum liquidum); glyceryl stearatecitrate; cetyl phosphate; sorbitan sesquioleate; acrylate/C₁₀₋₃₀-alkylacrylate crosspolymer; sorbitan isostearate; methylglucosesesquistearate; triceteareth-4 phosphate; trilaureth-4 phosphate;polyglyceryl methylglucose distearate; poloxamer 101; potassium cetylphosphate; isosteareth-10; polyglyceryl-2 sesquiisostearate; ceteth-10;polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate; oleth-20; isoceteth-20; glycerylisostearate; polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate; glyceryl stearate in amixture with ceteareth-20, ceteareth-12, cetylstearyl alcohol and cetylpalmitate; cetylstearyl alcohol in a mixture with PEG-20 stearate;glyceryl stearate; PEG-30 stearate.

[0114] If appropriate, the aqueous phase of the preparations accordingto the invention advantageously comprises alcohols, diols or polyols oflow carbon number and ethers thereof, preferably ethanol, isopropanol,propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoethylor monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl, monoethyl or monobutylether, diethylene glycol monomethyl or monoethyl ether and analogousproducts, also alcohols of low carbon number, for example ethanol,isopropanol, 1,2-propanediol and glycerol, and, in particular, one ormore thickeners, which can advantageously be chosen from the groupconsisting of silicon dioxide, aluminium silicates, polysaccharides andderivatives thereof, for example hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum andhydroxypropylmethylcellulose, particularly advantageously from the groupconsisting of polyacrylates, preferably a polyacrylate from the groupconsisting of Carbopols, for example Carbopols of types 980, 981, 1382,2984 and 5984, in each case individually or in combination.

[0115] In particular, mixtures of the abovementioned solvents are used.In the case of alcoholic solvents, water may be a further constituent.

[0116] Emulsions according to the invention are advantageous andcomprise, for example, said fats, oils, waxes and other fattysubstances, and also water and an emulsifier, as is customarily used forthis type of formulation.

[0117] Gels according to the invention customarily comprise alcohols oflow carbon number, for example ethanol, isopropanol, 1,2-propanediol,glycerol, and water and/or an abovementioned oil in the presence of athickener which, in the case of oily-alcoholic gels, is preferablysilicon dioxide or an aluminium silicate, and in the case ofaqueous-alcoholic or alcoholic gels, is preferably a polyacrylate.

[0118] Suitable propellants for preparations according to the inventionwhich can be sprayed from aerosol containers are the customarily known,readily volatile, liquefied propellants, for example hydrocarbons(propane, butane, isobutane), which may be used alone or in mixtureswith one another. Compressed air can also be used advantageously.

[0119] Preparations according to the invention can advantageously alsocomprise substances which absorb UV radiation in the UVB region, thetotal amount of filter substances being, for example, 0.1% by weight to30% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, in particular 1.0 to6.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparations, in orderto provide cosmetic preparations which protect the hair or skin from theentire range of ultraviolet radiation. They can also be used assunscreen compositions for hair or skin.

[0120] If the preparations according to the invention comprise UVBfilter substances, these may be oil-soluble or water-soluble.Inventively advantageous oil-soluble UVB filters are, for example:

[0121] 3-benzylidenecamphor derivatives, preferably3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor and 3-benzylidenecamphor;

[0122] 4-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, preferably 2-ethylhexyl4-(dimethylamino)benzoate and amyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate;

[0123] esters of cinnamic acid, preferably 2-ethylhexyl4-methoxycinnamate and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate;

[0124] esters of salicylic acid, preferably 2-ethylhexyl salicylate,4-isopropylbenzyl salicylate and homomenthyl salicylate,

[0125] derivatives of benzophenone, preferably2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-4′-methylbenzophenone and2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone;

[0126] esters of benzalmalonic acid, preferably di(2-ethylhexyl)4-methoxybenzal-malonate and

[0127] 2,4,6-trianilino(p-carbo-2′-ethyl-1′-hexyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine.

[0128] Advantageous water-soluble UVB filters are, for example:

[0129] salts of 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulphonic acid, such as itssodium, potassium or its triethanolammonium salt, and the sulphonic aciditself;

[0130] sulphonic acid derivatives of benzophenones, preferably2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulphonic acid and its salts;

[0131] sulphonic acid derivatives of 3-benzylidenecamphor, such as, forexample, 4-(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl)benzenesulphonic acid,2-methyl-5-(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl)sulphonic acid and their salts,and also 1,4-di(2-oxo-10-sulpho-3-bornylidenemethyl)benzene and itssalts (the corresponding

[0132] 10-sulphato compounds, for example the corresponding sodium,potassium or triethanolammonium salt) also referred to asbenzene-1,4-di(2-oxo-3-bornylidenemethyl)-10-sulphonic acid.

[0133] The list of said UVB filters which can be used in combinationwith the active ingredient combinations according to the invention isnot of course intended to be limiting.

[0134] The invention also provides for the use of a combination of theactive ingredient combinations used according to the invention with atleast one UVB filter as an antioxidant and for the use of a combinationof the active ingredient combinations used according to the inventionwith at least one UVB filter as an antioxidant in a cosmetic ordermatological preparation.

[0135] It may also be advantageous to combine the active ingredientcombinations used according to the invention with UVA filters which haveto date customarily been present in cosmetic preparations. Thesesubstances are preferably derivatives of dibenzoylmethane, in particular1-(4′-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4′-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione and1-phenyl-3-(4′-isopropylphenyl)propane-1,3-dione. These combinations andpreparations comprising these combinations are also provided by theinvention. The amounts which may be used are as for the UVB combination.

[0136] The invention also provides for the use of a combination ofactive ingredient combinations used in accordance with the inventionwith at least one UVA filter as antioxidant, and the use of acombination of the active ingredient combinations according to theinvention with at least one UVA filter as antioxidant in a cosmetic ordermatological preparation.

[0137] The invention also provides for the use of a combination ofactive ingredient combinations used in accordance with the inventionWith at least one UVA filter and at least one UVB filter as antioxidant,and the use of a combination of active ingredient combinations with atleast one UVA filter and at least one UVB filter as antioxidant in acosmetic or dermatological preparation.

[0138] Cosmetic and dermatological preparations having an effectivecontent of active ingredient combinations used according to theinvention can also comprise inorganic pigments which are normally usedin cosmetics for protecting the skin against UV rays. These are oxidesof titanium, zinc, zirconium, silicon, manganese, cerium and mixturesthereof, and modifications in which the oxides are the active agents.Particular preference is given to pigments based on titanium dioxide.

[0139] These combinations of UVA filters and pigment or preparationswhich comprise this combination are also provided by the invention.Amounts which may be used are the amounts given for the abovecombinations.

[0140] The cosmetic and dermatological preparations for protecting thehair against UV rays according to the invention are, for example,shampoos, preparations which are applied while rinsing the hair beforeor after shampooing, before or after permanent wave treatment, before orafter colouring or bleaching the hair, preparations for blow-drying orarranging the hair, preparations for colouring or bleaching, a stylingand treatment lotion, a hair lacquer or permanent waving agent.

[0141] The cosmetic and dermatological preparations comprise activeingredients and auxiliaries, as are customarily used for this type ofpreparation for hair care and hair treatment. Auxiliaries which can beused are preservatives, surface-active substances, antifoams,thickeners, emulsifiers, fats, oils, waxes, organic solvents,bactericides, perfumes, dyes or pigments whose task is to color the hairor the cosmetic or dermatological preparation itself.

[0142] The anions according to the invention are preferably chosen fromthe group of chlorides, sulphates and hydrogensulphates, phosphates,hydrogenphosphates and linear and cyclic oligophosphates, and carbonatesand hydrogencarbonates.

[0143] Cosmetic preparations which are in the form of a skin-cleansingcomposition or shampoo preferably comprise at least one anionic,nonionic or amphoteric surface-active substance, or else mixtures ofsuch substances, the active ingredient combinations used according tothe invention in an aqueous medium and auxiliaries as are customarilyused for this purpose. The surface-active substance or the mixtures ofthese substances may be present in the shampoo in a concentrationbetween 1% by weight and 50% by weight.

[0144] If the cosmetic or dermatological preparations are in the form ofa lotion which is rinsed out and applied, for example, before or afterbleaching, before or after shampooing, between two shampooing steps,before or after a permanent wave treatment, then they are, for example,aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic solutions which optionally comprisesurface-active substances, the concentration of which can be between 0.1and 10% by weight, preferably between 0.2 and 5% by weight.

[0145] These cosmetic or dermatological preparations can also beaerosols with auxiliaries customarily used for this purpose.

[0146] A cosmetic preparation in the form of a lotion which is notrinsed out, in particular a lotion for arranging the hair, a lotionwhich is used during blow-drying of the hair, a styling and treatmentlotion, is generally an aqueous, alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic solutionand comprises at least one cationic, anionic, nonionic or amphotericpolymer or else mixtures thereof, and also active ingredientcombinations used according to the invention in effective concentration.The amount of polymers used is, for example, between 0.1 and 10% byweight, preferably between 0.1 and 3% by weight.

[0147] Cosmetic preparations for the treatment and care of the hairwhich contain the active ingredient combinations used according to theinvention can be in the form of emulsions which are of the nonionic oranionic type. Nonionic emulsions contain, in addition to water, oils orfatty alcohols which may, for example, also be polyethoxylated orpolypropoxylated, or else mixtures of the two organic components. Theseemulsions optionally comprise cationic surface-active substances.

[0148] According to the invention, cosmetic preparations for thetreatment and care of hair may be in the form of gels which, as well ascomprising an effective content of active ingredients according to theinvention and optionally solvents customarily used for this purpose,preferably water, also comprise organic thickeners, e.g. gum arabic,xanthan gum, sodium alginate, cellulose derivatives, preferablymethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or inorganicthickeners, e.g. aluminium silicates, such as, for example, bentonites,or a mixture of polyethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol stearate ordistearate. The thickener is present in the gel, for example, in anamount between 0.1 and 30% by weight, preferably between 0.5 and 15% byweight:

[0149] Preferably, the amount of active ingredients according to theinvention in a composition intended for hair is 0.05% by weight to 10%by weight, in particular 0.5% by weight to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the composition.

[0150] Aqueous cosmetic cleansing compositions according to theinvention or low-water or anhydrous cleansing composition concentratesintended for aqueous cleansing can comprise anionic, nonionic and/oramphoteric surfactants.

[0151] Surfactants are amphiphilic substances which can dissolve organicnonpolar substances in water. As a result of their specific molecularstructure having at least one hydrophilic molecular moiety and onehydrophobic molecular moiety, they are able to reduce the surfacetension of the water, wet the skin, facilitate the removal anddissolution of soiling, facilitate rinsing and, if desired, controlfoaming.

[0152] The hydrophilic moieties of a surfactant molecule are mostlypolar functional groups, for example —COO⁻, —OSO₃ ²⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, while thehydrophobic moieties are usually nonpolar hydrocarbon radicals.Surfactants are generally classified according to the type and charge ofthe hydrophilic molecular moiety. In this connection, it is possible todifferentiate between four groups:

[0153] anionic surfactants,

[0154] cationic surfactants,

[0155] amphoteric surfactants and

[0156] nonionic surfactants.

[0157] Anionic surfactants usually have, as functional groups,carboxylate, sulphate or sulphonate groups. In aqueous solution, theyform negatively charged organic ions in an acidic or neutral medium.Cationic surfactants are characterized almost exclusively by thepresence of a quaternary ammonium group. In aqueous solution, they formpositively charged organic ions in an acidic or neutral medium.Amphoteric surfactants contain both anionic and cationic groups andaccordingly in aqueous solution exhibit the behaviour of anionic orcationic surfactants depending on the pH. In a strongly acidic medium,they have a positive charge, and in an alkaline medium a negativecharge. By contrast, in the neutral pH range, they are zwitterionic, asthe example below serves to illustrate:

[0158] RNH₂ ⁺CH₂CH₂COOH X⁻ (at pH=2) X⁻=any anion, e.g. Cl⁻

[0159] RNH₂ ⁺CH₂CH₂COO⁻ (at pH=7)

[0160] RNHCH₂CH₂COO⁻ B⁺ (at pH=12) B⁺=any cation, e.g. Na⁺

[0161] Polyether chains are typical of nonionic surfactants. Nonionicsurfactants do not form ions in an aqueous medium.

[0162] A. Anionic Surfactants

[0163] Anionic surfactants which can be used advantageously areacylamino acids (and salts thereof), such as

[0164] 1. acyl glutamates, for example sodium acyl glutamate,di-TEA-palmitoyl aspartate and sodium caprylic/capric glutamate,

[0165] 2. acylpeptides, for example palmitoyl-hydrolyzed milk protein,sodium cocoyl-hydrolyzed soya protein and sodium/potassiumcocoyl-hydrolyzed collagen,

[0166] 3. sarcosinates, for example myristoyl sarcosinate, TEA-lauroylsarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium cocoyl sarcosinate,

[0167] 4. taurates, for example sodium lauroyl taurate and sodiummethylcocoyl taurate,

[0168] 5. acyl lactylates, lauroyl lactylate, caproyl lactylate

[0169] 6. alaninates

[0170] Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives, such as

[0171] 1. carboxylic acids, for example lauric acid, aluminium stearate,magnesium alkanolate and zinc undecylenate,

[0172] 2. ester carboxylic acids, for example calcium stearoyllactylate, laureth-6 citrate and sodium PEG-4 lauramide carboxylate,

[0173] 3. ether carboxylic acids, for example sodium laureth-13carboxylate and sodium PEG-6 cocamide carboxylate,

[0174] Phosphoric Esters and Salts, such as, for Example, DEA-Oleth-10Phosphate and Dilaureth-4 Phosphate,

[0175] Sulphonic Acids and Salts, such as

[0176] 1. acyl isethionates, e.g. sodium/ammoniumcocoyl isethionate,

[0177] 2. alkylarylsulphonates,

[0178] 3. alkylsulphonates, for example sodium cocomonoglyceridesulphate, sodium C₁₂₋₁₄-olefin sulphonate, sodium lauryl sulphoacetateand magnesium PEG-3 cocamide sulphate,

[0179] 4. sulphosuccinates, for example dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate,disodium laureth sulphosuccinate, disodium lauryl sulphosuccinate anddisodium undecyleneamido-MEA sulphosuccinate and

[0180] Sulphuric Esters, such as

[0181] 1. alkyl ether sulphates, for example sodium, ammonium,magnesium, MIPA, TIPA laureth sulphate, sodium myreth sulphate andsodium C₁₂₋₁₃ pareth sulphate,

[0182] 2. alkyl sulphates, for example sodium, ammonium and TEA laurylsulphate.

[0183] B. Cationic Surfactants

[0184] Cationic surfactants which can be used advantageously are

[0185] 1. alkylamines,

[0186] 2. alkylimidazoles,

[0187] 3. ethoxylated amines and

[0188] 4. quaternary surfactants,

[0189] 5. ester quats

[0190] Quaternary surfactants contain at least one N atom which iscovalently bonded to 4 alkyl and/or aryl groups. Irrespective of the pH,this leads to a positive charge. Alkylbetaine, alkylamidopropylbetaineand alkylamidopropylhydroxysultaine are advantageous quaternarysurfactants. The cationic surfactants used according to the inventioncan also preferably be chosen from the group of quaternary ammoniumcompounds, in particular benzyltrialkylammonium chlorides or bromides,such as, for example, benzyldimethylstearylammonium chloride, and alsoalkyltrialkylammonium salts, for example cetyltrimethylammonium chlorideor bromide, alkyldimethylhydroxyethylammonium chlorides or bromides,dialkyldimethylammonium chlorides or bromides,alkylamidoethyltrimethylammonium ether sulphates, alkylpyridinium salts,for example lauryl- or cetylpyridinium chloride, imidazoline derivativesand compounds having cationic character, such as amine oxides, forexample alkyldimethylamine oxides or alkylaminoethyidimethylamineoxides. In particular the use of cetyltrimethylammonium salts isadvantageous.

[0191] C. Amphoteric Surfactants

[0192] Amphoteric surfactants which can be used advantageously are

[0193] 1. acyl/dialkylethylenediamine, for example sodium acylamphoacetate, disodium acyl amphodipropionate, disodium alkylamphodiacetate, sodium acyl amphohydroxypropylsulphonate, disodium acylamphodiacetate and sodium acyl amphopropionate,

[0194] 2. N-alkylamino acids, for example aminopropylalkylglutamide,alkylaminopropionic acid, sodium alkylimidodipropionate andlauroamphocarboxyglycinate.

[0195] D. Nonionic Surfactants

[0196] Nonionic surfactants which can be used advantageously are

[0197] 1. alcohols,

[0198] 2. alkanolamides, such as cocamides MEA/DEA/MIPA,

[0199] 3. amine oxides, such as cocoamidopropylamine oxide,

[0200] 4. esters which are formed by esterification of carboxylic acidswith ethylene oxide, glycerol, sorbitol or other alcohols,

[0201] 5. ethers, for example ethoxylated/propoxylated alcohols,ethoxylated/propoxylated esters, ethoxylated/propoxylated glycerolesters, ethoxylated/propoxylated cholesterols, ethoxylated/propoxylatedtriglyceride esters, ethoxylated/propoxylated lanolin,ethoxylated/propoxylated polysiloxanes, propoxylated POE ethers andalkyl polyglycosides, such as lauryl glucoside, decyl glycoside andcocoglycoside.

[0202] 6. sucrose esters, sucrose ethers

[0203] 7 polyglycerol esters, diglycerol esters, monoglycerol esters

[0204] 8. methylglucose esters, esters of hydroxy acids

[0205] Also advantageous is the use of a combination of anionic and/oramphoteric surfactants with one or more nonionic surfactants.

[0206] Cosmetic preparations which are in the form of cosmetic cleansingpreparations for the skin may be in liquid or solid form. As well ascomprising active ingredient combinations used in accordance with theinvention, they preferably comprise at least one anionic, nonionic oramphoteric surface-active substance or mixtures thereof, and auxiliariesas are customarily used for this purpose. The surface-active substancecan be present in the cleansing preparations in a concentration between1 and 94% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparations.

[0207] Cosmetic preparations which are in the form of a shampoocomprise, in addition to an effective content of active ingredientcombinations, preferably at least one anionic, nonionic or amphotericsurface-active substance or mixtures thereof, and auxiliaries as arecustomarily used therefor. The surface-active substance can be presentin the shampoo in a concentration between 1% by weight and 94% byweight.

[0208] Apart from the abovementioned surfactants, the compositionsaccording to the invention comprise water and optionally the additivescustomary in cosmetics, for example perfume, thickeners, dyes,deodorants, antimicrobial substances, refatting agents, complexingagents and sequestering agents, pearlescent agents, plant extracts,vitamins, active ingredients and the like.

[0209] It is preferred according to the invention to add those activeingredient combinations comprising complexing agents to the activeingredient combinations used according to the invention or cosmetic ordermatological preparations.

[0210] Complexing agents are auxiliaries of cosmetology and/or medicinalgalenics which are known per se. The complexing of troublesome metalssuch as Mn, Fe, Cu and others can prevent, for example, undesiredchemical reactions in cosmetic or dermatological preparations.

[0211] Complexing agents, in particular chelating agents, form complexeswith metal atoms. In the presence of one or more polybasic complexingagents, i.e. chelating agents, these complexes are metallacycles.Chelates are compounds in which a single ligand occupies more than onecoordination site on a central atom. In this case, normally extendedcompounds are thus closed as a result of complex formation via a metalatom or ion to give rings. The number of bonded ligands depends on thecoordination number of the central metal. A prerequisite for theformation of a chelate is that the compound reacting with the metalcontains two or more atomic groupings which act as electron donors.

[0212] The complexing agent(s) can advantageously be chosen from thegroup of customary compounds, at least one substance preferably beingchosen from the group consisting of tartaric acid and anions thereof,citric acid and anions thereof, aminopolycarboxylic acids and anionsthereof (such as, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)and anions thereof, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and anions thereof,hydroxyethylenediaminotriacetic acid (HOEDTA) and anions thereof,diethyleneaminopentaacetic acid (DPTA) and anions thereof,trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid (CDTA) and anions thereof).

[0213] The complexing agent or the complexing agents are, according tothe invention, advantageously present in cosmetic or dermatologicalpreparations preferably in an amount of from 0.01% by weight to 10% byweight, preferably in an amount of from 0.05% by weight to 5% by weight,particularly preferably in an amount of 0.1-2.0% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the preparations.

[0214] The present invention likewise also covers a method of protectingcosmetic or dermatological preparations against oxidation orphotooxidation where these preparations are, for example, preparationsfor the treatment and care of the hair, in particular hair colourants,hair lacquers, shampoos, colour shampoos, and also make-up products,such as, for example, nail varnishes, lipsticks, foundations, washingand shower preparations, creams for the treatment or care of the skin orall other cosmetic preparations whose constituents may be associatedwith stability problems because of oxidation or photooxidation duringstorage, characterized in that the cosmetic preparations have aneffective content of active ingredient combinations used according tothe invention.

[0215] The amount of active ingredient combinations used according tothe invention in these preparations is preferably 0.01-30% by weight,more preferably 0.05-20% by weight, in particular 0.1-10.0% by weight,based on the total weight of the preparations.

[0216] The invention also provides the process for the preparation ofthe cosmetic compositions according to the invention, which ischaracterized in that active ingredient combinations according to theinvention are incorporated into cosmetic and dermatological formulationsin a manner known per se.

[0217] Unless stated otherwise, all amounts, proportions and percentagesare based on the weight and the total amount or on the total weight ofthe preparations.

The examples below serve to illustrate the present invention withoutlimiting it. EXAMPLE 1

[0218] O/W cream % by wt. Glyceryl stearate 3.0000 Cetyl alcohol 3.0000PEG-40 stearate 3.5000 Paraffinum liquidum 5.0000 C12-15 Alkyl benzoate0.5000 Cyclomethicone 5.0000 Glycerol 5.0000 Sodium chlorideSodium5.0000 5.0000 Chloride L-carnitine 0.5000 Dyes/perfume q.s. PreservativeWater ad 100.0000

[0219] The constituents of the oil phase are combined together, thenstirred at 60-70° C. with the likewise combined water phase, and thenthe mixture is homogenized. It is then cooled to room temperature.

EXAMPLE 2

[0220] O/W cream % by wt. Glyceryl stearate 2.4000 Cetyl alcohol 2.4000Glyceryl stearate + PEG- 1.2000 100 stearate Paraffinum liquidum 15.0000Xanthan gum 0.2000 Glycerol 3.0000 Glycerin 5.0000.TaurinAcetyl-L-carnitine 0.30000 Sodium chlorideSodium 55.0000 ChlorideDiazolidinylurea 0.3000 Dyes/perfume q.s. Preservative Water ad 100.0000

[0221] The constituents of the oil phase are combined together, thenstirred at 60-70° C. with the likewise combined water phase, and thenthe mixture is homogenized. It is then cooled to room temperature.

EXAMPLE 3

[0222] O/W cream % by wt. Cetyl alcohol 2.4000 Steareth-21 1.2000Steareth-2 2.4000 Paraffinum liquidum 15.0000 Xanthan gum 0.2000Glycerol 5.0000 Urea 2.00005. Propionyl-L- 5.00000 carnitineSodiumChloride Sodium chloride 5.0000 Diazolidinylurea 0.3000 Dyes/perfumeq.s. Preservative Water ad 100.0000

[0223] The constituents of the oil phase are combined together, thenstirred at 60-70° C. with the likewise combined water phase, and thenthe mixture is homogenized. It is then cooled to room temperature.

EXAMPLE 4

[0224] O/W cream % by wt. Cetyl alcohol 2.4000 Steareth-21 1.2000Steareth-2 2.4000 Octyldodecanol 0.1000 PPG-14 butyl ether 5.0000Cyclomethicone 5.0000 Trisodium EDTA 1.5000 ol 3 L-carnitine fumarate2.0 Sodium chloride 3.0000 Dyes/perfume q.s. Preservative Water ad100.0000

[0225] The constituents of the oil phase are combined together, thenstirred at 60-70° C. with the likewise combined water phase, and thenthe mixture is homogenized. It is then cooled to room temperature.

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A cosmetic or dermatological composition, wherein thecomposition comprises from 0.001% to 30% by weight of at least onesubstance selected from carnitine, a precursor thereof, a metabolitethereof and a derivative thereof.
 8. The composition of claim 7, whereinthe at least one substance is present in a concentration of from 0.05%to 10% by weight.
 9. The composition of claim 7, wherein the at leastone substance is present in a concentration of from 0.1% to 5.0% byweight.
 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the carnitine comprisesL-carnitine.
 11. The composition of claim 7, wherein the compositioncomprises at least one of an acylcarnitine and a carnitine ester. 12.The composition of claim 9, wherein the composition comprises at leastone of acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine.
 13. The compositionof claim 9, wherein the composition comprises at least one ofL-carnitine fumarate and L-carnitine galactarate.
 14. The composition ofclaim 7, wherein the composition comprises from 0.05% to 10% by weightof at least one of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine,propionyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine fumarate and L-carnitine galactarate.15. A cosmetic or dermatological composition, wherein the compositioncomprises at least one substance selected from carnitine, a precursorthereof, a metabolite thereof and a derivative thereof, and furthercomprises at least one electrolyte.
 16. The composition of claim 15,wherein the at least one electrolyte comprises at least one of NaCl,NaBr, NaI, Na₂B₄O₇, Na₂SiO₃, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, Na₃PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, NaH₂PO₄,KCl, KI, LiCl, NH₄Cl, ZnCl₂, Al₂(SO₄)₃, MgSO₄, sodium liponate, sodiumcitrate, ammonium lactate, sodium lactate, sodium bicarbonate and sodiumpropionate.
 17. The composition of claim 15, wherein the at least oneelectrolyte is present in a concentration of from 0.05% to 30% byweight.
 18. The composition of claim 16, wherein the at least oneelectrolyte is present in a concentration of from 1% to 5% by weight.19. The composition of claim 15, wherein the at least one substance ispresent in a concentration of from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight and the atleast one electrolyte is present in a concentration of from 1% to 5% byweight.
 20. A cosmetic or dermatological composition, wherein thecomposition comprises at least one substance selected from carnitine, aprecursor thereof, a metabolite thereof and a derivative thereof, andfurther comprises at least one of a polyol and urea.
 21. The compositionof claim 20, wherein the composition comprises glycerol.
 22. Thecomposition of 20, wherein the composition comprises both a polyol andurea.
 23. The composition of claim 20, wherein the polyol comprises atleast one of glycerol, a butylene glycol, a propylene glycol, ethyleneglycol, a pentanediol, a hexanediol, diethylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, dibutylene glycol, andtributylene glycol.
 24. The composition of claim 23, wherein the polyolis present in a concentration of from 0.05% to 30% by weight.
 25. Thecomposition of claim 22, wherein the polyol is present in aconcentration of from 0.1% to 20% by weight.
 26. The composition ofclaim 20, wherein the urea is present in a concentration of from 0.05%to 30% by weight.
 27. The composition of claim 22, wherein the urea ispresent in a concentration of from 0.1% to 20% by weight.
 28. Thecomposition of claim 25, wherein the polyol and the urea are present ina total concentration of from 0.05% to 30% by weight.
 29. Thecomposition of claim 22, wherein the polyol and the urea are present ina total concentration of from 0.1% to 20% by weight.
 30. The compositionof claim 22, wherein the weight ratio polyol:urea is from 1:2 to 2:1.31. The composition of claim 20, wherein the at least one substance ispresent in a concentration of from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight.
 32. Thecomposition of claim 20, wherein the at least one substance is presentin a concentration of from 0.001% to 30% by weight and comprises atleast one of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, propionyl-L-carnitine,L-carnitine fumarate and L-carnitine galactarate.
 33. The composition ofclaim 20, wherein the composition further comprises at least oneelectrolyte.
 34. The composition of claim 33, wherein the at least oneelectrolyte comprises at least one of NaCl, NaBr, NaI, Na₂B₄O₇, Na₂SiO₃,Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, Na₃PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, NaH₂PO₄, KCl, KI, LiCl, NH₄Cl, ZnCl₂,Al₂(SO₄)₃, MgSO₄ sodium liponate, sodium citrate, ammonium lactate,sodium lactate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium propionate.
 35. Thecomposition of claim 34, wherein the at least one electrolyte is presentin a concentration of from 0.05% to 30% by weight.
 36. The compositionof claim 33, wherein the at least one substance is present in aconcentration of from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight and the at least oneelectrolyte is present in a concentration of from 1% to 5% by weight.37. The composition of claim 35, wherein the composition comprises NaCland glycerol.
 38. A cosmetic or dermatological composition, wherein thecomposition comprises at least one substance selected from carnitine, aprecursor thereof, a metabolite thereof and a derivative thereof, andfurther comprises at least one osmolyte.
 39. The composition of claim38, wherein the osmolyte comprises at least one compound selected from asugar alcohol, a methylamine compound, an amino acid and precursorsthereof.
 40. The composition of claim 39, wherein the at least onesubstance is present in a concentration of from 0.001% to 30% by weightand wherein the osmolyte comprises at least one of myoinositol,mannitol, sorbitol, taurine, choline, betaine, phosphorylcholine, aglycerophosphorylcholine, glutamine, glycine, α-alanine, glutamate,aspartate and proline.
 41. The composition of claim 39, wherein the atleast one substance is present in a concentration of from 0.05% to 10%by weight and comprises at least one of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine,propionyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine fumarate and L-carnitine galactarate.42. The composition of claim 38, wherein the composition furthercomprises at least one of a polyol and urea.
 43. The composition ofclaim 41, wherein the composition further comprises glycerol.
 44. Thecomposition of claim 38, wherein the composition further comprises atleast one electrolyte.
 45. The composition of claim 44, wherein the atleast one electrolyte comprises at least one of NaCl, NaBr, NaI,Na₂B₄O₇, Na₂SiO₃, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, Na₃PO₄, Na₂HPO₄, NaH₂PO₄, KCl, KI,LiCl, NH₄Cl, ZnCl₂, Al₂(SO₄)₃, MgSO₄, sodium liponate, sodium citrate,ammonium lactate, sodium lactate, sodium bicarbonate and sodiumpropionate.
 46. The composition of claim 38, wherein the compositionfurther comprises NaCl in a concentration of from 1% to 5% by weight.47. The composition of claim 44, wherein the composition furthercomprises at least one of a polyol and urea.
 48. The composition ofclaim 46, wherein the composition further comprises glycerol.
 49. Amethod for the cosmetic or dermatological treatment of skin, wherein themethod comprises applying onto at least parts of the skin a compositionwhich comprises at least one substance selected from carnitine, aprecursor thereof, a metabolite thereof and a derivative thereof. 50.The method of claim 49, wherein the cosmetic or dermatological treatmentcomprises at least one of a treatment and an active prevention of dryskin, a strengthening of a barrier function of skin, a treatment, careor prophylaxis of sensitive skin, and at least one of a treatment and aprophylaxis of symptoms of a negative change in a physiologicalhomeostasis of healthy skin.
 51. The method of claim 49, wherein thecosmetic or dermatological treatment comprises at least one of atreatment and a prophylaxis of at least one of deficient, sensitive orhypoactive skin conditions, deficient, sensitive or hypoactiveconditions of skin appendages and inflamed skin conditions.
 52. Themethod of claim 49, wherein the cosmetic or dermatological treatmentcomprises at least one of a treatment and a prophylaxis of at least oneof atopic eczema, polymorphous photodermatosis, psoriasis, vitiligo, andof sensitive, itching or irritated skin.
 53. The method of claim 49,wherein the cosmetic or dermatological treatment comprises at least oneof a treatment and a prophylaxis of at least one of a change in normallipid peroxidation, a change in ceramide, lipid and energy metabolism ofhealthy skin, a change in physiological transepidermal water loss, areduction in skin hydration, a decrease in moisture content of skin, achange in a natural moisturizing factor content, and a reduction incell-cell communication.
 54. The method of claim 49, wherein thecosmetic or dermatological treatment comprises at least one of atreatment and a prophylaxis of at least one of deficiency symptoms ofintracellular DNA synthesis, DNA damage and a reduction in endogenousDNA repair mechanisms, and of deviations from normal post-translationalmodifications of connective tissue constituents.
 55. The method of claim49, wherein the cosmetic or dermatological treatment comprises at leastone of a treatment and a prophylaxis of at least one of changes in anormal hyaluronic acid and glucosaminoglycan content of healthy skin,dandruff formation by hair, and of a flaking of a scalp and of skinageing.
 56. The method of claim 49, wherein the cosmetic ordermatological treatment comprises at least one of an activation of atleast one of metalloproteinases and other proteases, and an inhibitionof corresponding endogenous DNA repair mechanisms.
 57. The method ofclaim 49, wherein the at least one substance is present in aconcentration of from 0.001% to 30% by weight.
 58. The method of claim49, wherein the at least one substance is present in a concentration offrom 0.1% to 5.0% by weight.
 59. The method of claim 58, wherein thecomposition further comprises at least one of an electrolyte, anosmolyte, a polyol and urea.
 60. The method of claim 57, wherein thecomposition comprises at least one of L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine,propionyl-L-carnitine, L-carnitine fumarate and L-carnitine galactarate,and further comprises at least one of NaCl, glycerol and urea.